August 27: WHEREVER HE GOES
These are the ones who are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14:4
It should be the joyful goal of all Christians alive during these last days to stand (see 6:17) as part of the faithful remnant when the Lord comes for His bride. Characteristics of this special group are given to us in Scripture; these should be carefully studied and understood: not defiled with women . . . The Bible consistently portrays those who turn away from God as spiritual fornicators. Being satisfied with false teachings instead of the truth amounts to spiritual adultery and idolatry. Paul emphasized the continuity of the old, symbolic metaphor into the New Testament: For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; compare to Jeremiah 6:2). The church is likened to a virgin woman who is faithful to the One she loves. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).
But unfaithfulness comes by following a different gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4). A church is thus defiled when she obeys men over God and promotes any teaching or religious tradition that contradicts the plain word of God (see Isaiah 8:20). Revelation speaks of the great harlot, Babylon, and her daughters, apostate churches (Revelation 17:5) who seduce vast numbers of people into illicit relationships with them (vv.1-5; 18:3,9). This is why our opening verse mentions women (plural), meaning many churches. There are many different faiths and even Christian denominations. But, according to the Bible, only one is the true church. Jesus said, “And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” (John 10:16) The Lord is calling His people out of Babylon (see Revelation 18:4).
To follow the Lamb wherever He goes is to believe, live, and speak in faithfulness to the example He set. Behind such a lifestyle is an attitude of the heart that reveals to God a willingness to change any activity or way of thinking that is out of alignment with His word. The process of Biblical learning while growing up in a corrupted world brings us face-to-face with needed changes as we study His word. To readily agree to follow Him—in full reliance on the Holy Spirit’s power—is what it means to be conformed to the image of His Son (see Romans 8:29).
Before Jesus returns, there will be a restoration of all of His teachings among men (Matthew 28:20; Acts 3:20-21; Romans 8:4,28,32; 2 Corinthians 13:11). The 144,000 are described as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb because of their will to learn and faithfully honor whatsoever—all things!—He has commanded. As those alive on the last day, the translation of the 144,000 to heaven at the coming of Christ represents firstfruits from the great harvest of souls who are to receive eternal life.
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:27